Mukta Panda, MD, FACP, assistant dean for Medical Education and Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine at Chattanooga, has been awarded the Outstanding Educator of Residents and Fellows Award from the American College of Physicians (ACP). The honor will be presented to Dr. Panda during a ceremony on May 5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., during the annual ACP Convocation Ceremony.
The award recognizes an ACP member, who is also a distinguished faculty member and who has dedicated a significant amount of time teaching and mentoring residents and fellows. Dr. Panda serves as co-chair of the associates committee for the Tennessee chapter of ACP. Honorees are chosen based on nominations and supporting letters from current and former residents and fellows of the nominee. Dr. Panda said that she is honored to receive the award, and extends her gratitude to her nominator.
“This award is so meaningful,” said Dr. Panda. “I am humbled and accept it on behalf of lots of people including patients, students, faculty and mentors. Faculty educators may be appointed as teachers, but we are all learning together. Medicine is lifelong learning. Our patients are our best teachers. They teach us facts that cannot be found in textbooks, facts about life, coping, hope and trust. The students keep me inspired, energized, knowledgeable and grounded. I am grateful to all, especially to my faith and family”
The American College of Physicians is a national organization comprised of internists and physician specialists, who use their knowledge and expertise in diagnosing, treating and maintaining compassionate care of patients through a broad range of health and complex illnesses. It serves as the largest medical-specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States.